practical help and encouragement for homemakers
by Joy Kincaid 22 Comments
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Kathryn Bowden says
Hi Joy – I'm new here, I'm also doing a Write 31 Days challenge (I'm writing about pumpkins) and I am eager to follow along with your posts – one never knows when one will learn something new …or when we will be reminded of what we knew and forgot in our business (or laziness – yes, that would be me!)! We have also had very lean seasons, where my deep pantry was not just handy but needful … and yes, that can be scary! I'll be praying for you and your husband – and look forward to the day we all hear good news about his new position 😉 God bless – Kathy
Joy Kincaid says
Welcome, Kathryn! Thank you so much for praying and for the encouraging words! 🙂
Anna says
Great idea Lee ann 🙂 Hi, I'm Anna, I'm from Queensland Australia. I'm 48 in Dec, homeschool 2 of our 4 children (our eldest two are working and studying). We love the Lord and I'm very happy to find your blog, it has been a great encouragement to me. May the Lord bless you and keep you 🙂
Joy Kincaid says
So glad to meet you, Anna! I'm so glad you stopped by and introduced yourself!
Anna says
I really appreciate this special challenge. Learning about living a simple and frugal life has been my journey this year and whilst I hope and pray your husband does get a wonderful job, I'm thankful to find a lovely blog like yours to walk along with me through this learning curve. God bless you and keep you 🙂
Joy Kincaid says
Thank you so much for your kind words, Anna!
Anonymous says
Ah Joy, your attitude is so encouraging and refreshing. I love how you are not letting fear paralyze you, but you are taking initiative and thinking ahead. I'm praying for you and your family as you face this difficult situation. You are such an inspiration!
~Angela
Joy Kincaid says
Aww, that's sweet of you, Angela! Thank you so much for praying!
Bonita says
Looks like you're ahead of the game with some of your supplies. Your post reminded me of the Bible story of the women whose husband had died and creditors were coming to take her sons as slaves. She went to the prophet for help and he asked, "What do you have?" She only had a little oil, but it was multiplied so she sold it, paid her debts, and she and her sons could live on the rest. I hope you end up with a similar experience and what you do have gets multiplied to meet your needs.
Joy Kincaid says
I so much appreciate your comment, Bonita! And thank you so much for mentioning that Bible story–it's one of my favorites!
quiltiferous says
What a great attitude! Soap and sewn things make such good gifts and things to sell! You're also a talented blogger and photographer. As you pray for ways to stretch the funds, the Lord will show you. He has more than once given me oil like the Old Testament widow. It just doesn't run out! You're attitude is such a blessing!
Joy Kincaid says
Thank you for your kind words! I love that story of the widow's oil!
Carol Blanchet says
We've had some pretty lean seasons too. During one of the particularly hard (and fearful) times I also took inventory of all our food – and then made a list of all the meals I could make. In the beginning it seemed like we hardly had anything, but I came up with about 30 different meals I could make! That was so encouraging.
Do you have enough soap supplies that you could sell soap? This is how my friend does it on her blog. http://ewifeblogsagain.blogspot.com/search/label/Soap
Praying for a "fishes and loaves" story for you!!
Hugs from WA
Carol
Joy Kincaid says
Thanks for sharing your experience, Carol! I've considered selling soap many times. I'm not sure if I'll ever do it, but the thought continually presents itself. Thanks for sharing your friend's blog–I'll check it out. And thank you for praying!
Lee Ann says
I'm really sorry to hear about your husband's job loss. I am blessed by your spirit of not giving in to the fear but pulling up your boot straps. If those are photos of your pantry then all I can say is WOW-pretty impressive. I just found your blog today and look forward to reading more and learning more, especially about you.
A bit about me-I will be 53 in November, married and live right outside of Raleigh, NC. Dh and I just celebrated our 30th anniversary!!
Joy Kincaid says
Nice to meet you, Lee Ann! I look forward to getting to know you better!
Holly says
Sometimes just taking inventory of what we already have shows us just how blessed we are! We are not facing unemployment but I'm looking forward to this series because we do desire my husband to work here at home and that would mean a huge pay cut. Love reading your blog.
Joy Kincaid says
You're so right, Holly, it helps me feel very grateful! My husband has been working from home for over 8 years, and it has been hard financially. Sadly, it looks like that season is ending for us. Thank you so much for your kind words!
JES says
You are so creative, I am sure you will come up with many useful ideas since it looks like you have a nice supply to work with. And I must say, your soap would make a lovely gift for anyone! 🙂 This is also where a well stocked pantry is a blessing!
Joy Kincaid says
Thank you, JES!
Kristen says
You are right! This is the fun part. You remind me of why I'm thankful for my stockpile, too.
Joy Kincaid says
Yes, I'm very thankful I've at least got some things to work with! 🙂